BLM to Return Some Gathered Horses to the Range Tomorrow

CEDARVILLE – The first phase of the High Rock Complex Wild Horse Roundup is complete and a small group of horses will be reintroduced to their home range on Thursday, Oct. 20. These animals are the first to be sent back to help ensure a healthy population in the Bitner Herd Management Area, part of the Bureau of Land Management’s High Rock Complex.

The public will have opportunities to view the release Thursday afternoon. Those interested in seeing the events should meet at 1 p.m. at the Temporary Holding Facility on Highway 34 in Nevada 16 miles south of the junction of Highway 34 and Road 8A, about 30 miles east of Cedarville, Calif.

The roundup continues today in the Wall Canyon Herd Management Area. The BLM says 129 wild horses have been gathered since the roundup started on Saturday, Oct. 15.

The BLM’s goal is to leave approximately 258 to 451 horses in the entire Complex. Mares being released will be treated with a non-permanent fertility control vaccine administered by a qualified veterinarian. The horses being returned to the range have been selected for traits that are historically characteristic of the herd and traits that help ensure a healthy herd.

The High Rock gather is expected to continue into November. Wild horses have been removed and transported to the Litchfield Corrals where they will be prepared for adoption. It is anticipated these animals will be available for adoption early next year. Adoption information is available from the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Information Center, 866 468-7826 (866-4MUSTANGS).

BLM is providing the public an opportunity to view the gather operations daily so long as the safety of the horses, staff, contractors and visitors is not jeopardized and operations are not disrupted. Information on observation opportunities is available by calling 530-279-2816. The corrals at Litchfield where the initial animals removed from the range are being held are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.